Well, I haven't been doing much reading at all! In fact, I've only read one book since last week! The end of school has left me very overwhelmed. My wonderful assistant that I hired at the beginning of school, told me during the last week that she wouldn't be back next year. I was crushed to say the least! Leslie has been a wonderful addition to the library and she will be missed by the kids, the staff, and myself. My only hope is that I can find someone as good as her. It just makes me nervous to have to hire again. I was hoping for a few years before I would have to do this again.
The one book that I did manage to read was a good one, Penny from Heaven by Jennifer Holm. I just loved this book. I always said that I'm not a historical fiction fan, but I think that I was just reading the wrong books. This book kept me on my toes with events that I was not expecting. During one major event towards the end of the book, I sat with my mouth open because I didn't expect it to happen. The one thing I really loved about this book was the author's note at the end of the book. It was really interesting to see where Jennifer Holm got her inspiration for this book. If you come across an author's note, make sure you read it. You can get loads of information and insight.This summer, I've got some major plans. I'm revamping the way I'm teaching my 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. I'm working with another Media Specialist from my county because it is always great to have someone to work with. I'm also keeping a list of all the chapter books, picture books, and nonfiction books I read this summer so that i can make a display to show the students what I read. Another project is making labels with summaries for different chapter books to be put into the books. Many times I go to recommend a book, and my mind goes blank because it has been a while since I read the book and I've read so many other books since. And my final project is to start making a binder of "Miss Hazuda Recommends..." books. I've got a template that I'm following. I will have sections for different genres, poetry, nonfiction, graphic novels, and animal books. This will hopefully help those students that i just can't get to during checkout. I also have a student binder full of suggestions, called "Have I Got A Book For You". You can read about it on my other blog.
I also plan to squeeze in a vacation or two during the summer. What are your plans for this summer?
Happy Reading!
Stacey (@libraryjo92)
I enjoyed Penny From Heaven as well! I do love a good historical fic ... but have the worst time getting kids to read them! They'll listen to recommendations about mystery or fantasy or sci fi or non fic or realistic fic ... but their eyes glaze over on historical. How do you get the kids to read?
ReplyDeletePS Working with other brains always helps me, too. So bravo for your summer goal!
Thanks for sharing what you are going to be doing this summer. It gives me all kinds of ideas. :)
ReplyDeleteMs. O, I find if I can get one or two kids hooked on a historical fic book, many of their friends will follow. I also try and get them then to do a "Have I Got A Book For You" sheet to share with everyone.
ReplyDeleteCrystal, so glad you have gotten ideas. I'm going to be a real task master for myself this summer. It will benefit me in the long run and allow me to not be as stressed as the school year starts.
Thanks to you both for stopping by!